NFL Draft News

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have selected Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, gambling that the Heisman Trophy winner will overcome questions about his character and work ethic to become the first franchise quarterback in team history.

A year after going 2-14 with the NFL’s worst offense, the Panthers on Thursday night bypassed safer selections such as Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and LSU cornerback Patrick Peterson for Newton, who dazzled in his only season playing major college football.

The 6-foot-5, 248-pound Newton accounted for 50 touchdowns and led the Tigers to the national championship last season despite an NCAA investigation that his father concocted a pay-for-play scheme during his recruitment. (AP-Cranston)

The last time the Bengals made a receiver their top choice was 2000, when they took Florida State’s Peter Warrick — also with the fourth overall pick.

Terrell Owens was Cincinnati’s top receiver last season, but had a one-year deal and won’t be back. Ochocinco has a year left on his deal, but he doesn’t expect the Bengals to keep him around.

Including Green, a total of six Bulldogs were taken in the three-day draft, with five being selected in the first four rounds. (AP-KAY and UGA Athletics)

Ravens Pick From Tech

Running back Anthony Allen, who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards in two seasons at Georgia Tech and earned first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in 2010, was selected in the seventh round of the NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

Allen played in the Senior Bowl and participated in the NFL Combine after rushing for 1,316 yards as a senior in 2010.

Baltimore has a history of drafting Tech players. In 2006, the Ravens drafted both former Yellow Jackets, running back P.J. Daniels and safety Dawan Landry. Since 2000, no NFL team has drafted more Georgia Tech players than Baltimore. The Ravens also drafted former Jacket linebacker Ron Rogers in 1998. (Georgia Tech Athletics)